Shackin' up!

Today is an exciting day!  I'm using my own embroidery patterns for the FIRST time.  Up until now, I've been copying patterns from books and other people's websites.  Why is this important?  Well, first, I'm super proud.  And, second, it means I can sell these babies guilt-free.  The rules about copying and selling other people's work are a bit fuzzy.  As far as I remember from my "excellent" law school education, the law of the land does not usually grant copyrights for fashion (and presumably embroidery).  I have a fantasy of the Supreme Court imagining a plucky shop girl sneaking her way into the upper class by copying the latest fashions in midnight sewing sessions.  I suspect it was more like a bunch of old men saw the potential for case upon case debating the similarity of hem lengths and drew the line.  Either way, legally, selling something from a pattern or copied from another person's work seems to be fine and who would really take the time to sue you anyway?  (Although beware moms running a side business machine-embroidering Disney characters on backpacks.)  However, morally and ethically, it seems a little sleazy.  How embarrassing would it be to have someone slam you on an Etsy board?  My husband says, "Not very," but still.  So having debated all that in my head and having read some very stern fine print in my pattern books, my dreams of supporting my family making money through an Etsy business were crumbling until I realized that I have inspiration right in my own backyard.  My husband and I got married in Clarksdale and had the party at the Shack Up Inn (thanks again to Mom and Dad who were great sports).  In case you're having trouble picturing it, here you go:

Awesome right?!  I agree - what better inspiration for my embroidery?  And, if I just happen to get a few pieces finished in time to sell at our local Juke Joint Festival, even better because they're MY designs.  It's a big day - really - huge!  I still need to finish the backs, but today, I'm turning to my next project: the raised-bed garden.  Stay tuned for an update on that and until then, enjoy my original work!

Mississippi

As promised, two Mississippi coasters for our own coffee table.

We'll always have Paris.

I'm on a roll with these city-themed coasters.  I fell in love with androssiment pattern in A Rainbow of Stitches and decided to do a set of Paris coasters to match the New York set I did last week.  (If you're wondering where the beloved Mississippi set is... stay tuned.)

I Love New York!

What better way to celebrate the city that never sleeps than coasters.

Thanks to Little Stitches

Thanks to Little Stitches

Thanks to brooklynbelinda

I left my heart...

in Mississippi.

It's true.  My husband and I moved to Mississippi in 2009 and we've fallen in love with the state and our hometown of Clarksdale.


Special thanks to my sister-in-law, and fellow crafter, for giving me the Put a Bird on It phone case and this Mississippi pattern for Christmas.  One of my favorite holiday moments is when the family settles into the couch and she pulls out her knitting and I pull out my cross-stitching.  Thank you and love you!